Abstract: A slant back off-ridge roof vent and the method of its use and construction are disclosed. A ventilation system may include a base flashing portion and a hood fitting over the base flashing portion. The base flashing portion may include an integral cylindrical chimney portion formed out of the base flashing. The hood may include a top surface, a slant back portion extending from the top surface to a tab connecting the hood to the base flashing portion, and three sidewalls extending from the top surface to the base flashing. At least one of the three sidewalls may include integrally pierced louvers.

Abstract: Described herein are photonic communication platforms that permit use by multiple users in a secure way. A platform comprises a substrate, a first photonic circuit monolithically integrated with the substrate, and a second photonic circuit monolithically integrated with the substrate. The first photonic circuit is patterned with a first plurality of photonic modules, the photonic modules of the first plurality being copies of a common template photonic module The second photonic circuit is patterned with a second plurality of photonic modules, the photonic modules of the second plurality being copies of the common template photonic module. A photonic link couples the first photonic circuit to the second photonic circuit. A controller optically isolates the first photonic circuit from the second photonic circuit by optically interrupting the photonic link.

Abstract: An electrically adjustable hydraulic shock absorber includes a piston positioned within a tube that divides a fluid chamber into a first working chamber and a second working chamber. A piston rod is attached to the piston and projects. An electronically-controlled valve is positioned within a rod guide. A circuit board is in communication with the electronically-controlled valve. A carrier includes an inner wall and an outer wall interconnected by a bottom wall thereby defining a pocket. A circuit board is positioned within the pocket.

Abstract: An electrically adjustable hydraulic shock absorber includes a piston positioned within a tube that divides a fluid chamber into a first working chamber and a second working chamber. A piston rod is attached to the piston and projects. An electronically-controlled valve is positioned within a rod guide. A circuit board is in communication with the electronically-controlled valve. A carrier includes an inner wall and an outer wall interconnected by a bottom wall thereby defining a pocket. A circuit board is positioned within the pocket.

Abstract: A graphical user interface includes a first window configured to display a first value, which is entered by a user of an income-tax preparation program, and a second value, which is computed as a function of the first value. Note that the second value is to be used in an income-tax return of the user. Furthermore, the graphical user interface allows the user to obtain an explanation of the difference between the first value and the second value.

Abstract: A heating appliance includes an electric heating element, and a relay for selectively connecting the heating element to a power supply that supplies an alternating electric current to the electric heating element to generate heat. The relay includes an inductive actuator that controls a switching state of the relay, and a switch can interrupt a supply of electric current from a power source to the inductive actuator to adjust the switching state. A flyback path for conducting a decaying electric current includes a selective conductor and a voltage regulator that maintains a flyback voltage across the inductive actuator above a minimum flyback voltage. And a controller transmits a control signal that adjusts the switching state of the relay to cause interruption of the alternating electric current being supplied to the heating element after the alternating electric current being conducted through the relay falls below a peak value.

Abstract: A control system includes a zero crossing detecting circuit for detecting a zero crossing of an AC signal. The circuit includes a transformer having a primary portion and a secondary portion. The primary portion receives the AC signal. The secondary portion comprises first and second terminals. The first terminal is biased at a first DC voltage level. An output switch is operatively connected to the second terminal and has an on state and an off state. The output switch selectively activates an output signal of the zero crossing detecting circuit according to an activation voltage level sensed by the output switch and corresponding to the zero crossing. While in the off state, the output switch is biased at a second DC voltage level. A voltage difference between the first and second DC voltage levels substantially equals the activation voltage level. A controller monitors the output signal and controls an operation based on the output signal.

Abstract: A heating appliance for elevating a temperature of a food item includes a controller for minimizing arcing experienced by a circuit interrupter when a supply of electric current to a heating element is interrupted. The heating appliance includes an electric heating element that generates heat in response to conducting an electric current. A relay is to be electrically connected to the electric heating element for controlling a supply of the electric current to the electric heating element. A coil of the relay can be energized to actuate a switching element that is operable to open and close a conductive pathway for selectively conducting the electric current for generating heat. A selective conductor is to be electrically connected to the coil for establishing a flyback path that conducts a decaying electric current when the coil of the relay is de-energized.

Abstract: A control system includes a zero crossing detecting circuit for detecting a zero crossing of an AC signal. The circuit includes a transformer having a primary portion and a secondary portion. The primary portion receives the AC signal. The secondary portion comprises first and second terminals. The first terminal is biased at a first DC voltage level. An output switch is operatively connected to the second terminal and has an on state and an off state. The output switch selectively activates an output signal of the zero crossing detecting circuit according to an activation voltage level sensed by the output switch and corresponding to the zero crossing. While in the off state, the output switch is biased at a second DC voltage level. A voltage difference between the first and second DC voltage levels substantially equals the activation voltage level. A controller monitors the output signal and controls an operation based on the output signal.

Abstract: An electrical discharge device and in particular a low voltage or shunt-type igniter plug is disclosed, said plug having a beryllium oxide ceramic insulator disposed between the center electrode firing tip and the ground electrode, said insulator having a novel semi-conducting metal oxide coating formed thereon to provide an ionized path along which spark discharge between said electrodes occurs.

Abstract: An electrical discharge device and in particular a low voltage or shunt-type igniter plug is disclosed, said plug having a beryllium oxide ceramic insulator disposed between the center electrode firing tip and the ground electrode, said insulator having a novel semi-conducting metal oxide coating formed thereon to provide an ionized path along which spark discharge between said electrodes occurs.